Average Size And Length Of An Erect Penis

How Do You Measure Up Down There? Time To Look At The Facts

Quick: How big is your penis? And how do you stand compared to the average?

Those are two questions that men spend a lot of time thinking about. But ultimately, you might be placing a lot of importance on the size of your penis when it’s not nearly as important as you think it is.

“Only 6% of women rate their partner’s penis size as small and 84% say they’re very satisfied with their lover’s size. In contrast, only 55% of men report a similar level of satisfaction with their own size,” says Dr. Jess, Astroglide’s resident sexologist

Furthermore, some men are growers and others are showers. “A smaller flaccid penis will grow considerably more than a larger one resulting in less of a size differential once they’re both hard. For this reason, flaccid size is not a good indicator of erect length."

"Studies that assess the average length of an erect penis tend to vary in their conclusions, but a review of 50 studies that included 11,531 penises reveals a combined average of 5.5 to 6.3 inches. In another study of 25 sources, the average revealed is 3.5 inches flaccid and 6 inches erect. Unsurprisingly, studies in which subjects measured themselves produced greater lengths than those measured by researchers,” says Dr. Jess.

Of course, penis size does matter — but mostly in terms of finding the right fit with your partner. As a result, bigger is not necessarily better. “In fact, though a longer penis may afford you greater bragging rights in the dressing room, it can actually be a mixed blessing in the bedroom,” says Dr. Jess. “Some [women] have longer vaginas and [some] have shorter ones, but the vast majority of women report being perfectly satisfied with their partner’s size. When it comes to pleasure, women say they’re more likely to prefer a wider penis to a longer one,” says Dr. Jess. This is no surprise, given that the length of the average vagina is shorter than that of the average penis.

Size seems also to matter in terms of cultural appreciations. “There is an important distinction between what turns us on naturally as sexual beings and what we learn to find attractive based on cultural norms. Tapping into the former can create sexual experiences that are richer and more fulfilling that those based on the latter,” says Dr. Jess. However, the reality is that we live in a culture that makes a big deal about penis size, it can be difficult to really engage with our genuine desires and see through the cloud of cultural prescriptions.

“An appropriate analogy that illustrates the divide between natural desire and cultural expectations can be seen in the weight of high fashion models: despite the fact that men are more attracted to women with curves (possibly as an indicator of health and fertility), our culture continues to tout skin-and-bone models as the ideal. Many women buy into this ideal just as men erroneously embrace the notion that bigger is better when it comes to penises,” says Dr. Jess.

Consider curvature. Curvature can greatly affect the way a man has sex, at all lengths. “The right curve on the right length can create joy for his partner. The wrong curve on the wrong length, particularly a severe curve on a long penis, can leave his partner feeling as though she is giving birth,” says Brian Sloan, inventor of the AutoBlow 2. "Curvature can also make it difficult for a man to enjoy his erection properly — instead of sliding his penis in and out of his partner, a curve can modify the sexual action more to that of "cramming" which is a much less desired sensation."

So where do you stand? Let's take a look at how the different sizes measure up.

1 Inch Penis

Clément Liu

How common is this? “This is extremely, extremely uncommon. Far less than one percent of men has a penis this size. Unfortunately, you have a micropenis,” says Dr. Christopher Asandra, chief medical officer of NuMale Medical Center, an expert on men's sexual health and anti-aging medicine.

How does it compare to the average? You probably already know the answer to this — it’s very small. Not even close to the average.

What is she going to think? “I’m not going to lie to you — she’s going to be very surprised,” says Asandra.

Best sex positions: “Sex is not likely to be too satisfying — but that’s okay. Oral sex will likely be more pleasurable. If you know what you’re doing, she will be just as happy,” says Asandra.

2 Inch Penis

How common is this? It’s a bit on the small side, but there’s still a lot of great sex you can have with it!

How does it compare to average? For men that do fall on the smaller side, it’s not necessarily bad news.

What is she going to think? “The average G-spot is only a 2-3 inches inside the vagina, so the vast majority of men don’t have a problem hitting it. And for most women, penetration alone doesn’t do the trick anyway — regardless of the size of their partner’s penis,” says Dr. Asandra.

Best sex positions: For smaller men, Asandra recommends entering from behind. The angle allows for deeper penetration, with the added bonus of leaving your hands free to pleasure her further. “Men with a smaller penis may suffer in the bedroom, but it’s not from a lack of penis — it’s from a lack of confidence. The truth is that size doesn’t matter — it’s what you do with it that counts,” says Asandra.

3 Inch Penis

How common is this? “This is more common than a 1 or 2 inch penis, but still pretty rare,” says Asandra.

How does it compare to average? It’s on the small side. “3 inches is below average. Still, it’s not as small as you might think. 4 inches is fairly common,” says Asandra.

What is she going to think? “If you know what you are doing, your smaller size shouldn’t matter. You’re big enough to hit the G-spot,” says Asandra.

Best Sex Positions: “Doggy style or any other position where you are entering from behind is the best. This way, you can get as deep as possible, and as an additional bonus, you can use your hands. Girl on top is also good; this way, she can be in control of her own pleasure,” says Asandra.

4 Inch Penis

How common is this? “It’s not unusual. Somewhere between 5% to 10% of men have a penis that is four inches or smaller when erect,” says Asandra.

How does it compare to the average? About 90% of men have a girth between 4 and 5.25 inches, with the average guy at about 4.5 inches,” Asandra says.

What is she going to think? “You’re probably thinking about it more than she is. Women are generally unconcerned with penis size,” says Asandra. At 4 inches, the G-spot is within your reach, so you should be able to pleasure her without too much difficulty.

Best sex positions: “Try entering from behind. The angle allows for deeper penetration, and you’ll have your hands free to pleasure her further,” says Asandra.

5 Inch Penis

Clément Liu

How common is this? The average penis size comes up at just over 5 inches when erect, says Dr. Asandra. “Penis size really doesn’t vary that much from person to person. 90 percent of men measure somewhere between 4 inches to just over 6 inches,” says Asandra.

How does it compare to the average? “The average penis is just over 5 inches,” says Asandra. So you are perfectly average!

What will she think? “There have been studies done that show that girth is actually a more important factor than length for many women. Extra length can be painful, as the vagina is usually not deeper than 5 to 8 inches, but the pressure that a wider penis puts on the vagina can be extremely pleasurable for a woman.

Best sex positions: The most common penis size? Average! “Average is defined by 5.5 inches erect and average length of vagina is about 4.5 inches. So even an average penis can feel full. Too big or too small can be a problem, particularly if there's a lack of clitoral stimulation. With a L to XL penis, pain can be an issue, although pain is always an issue regardless of size if a woman is not amply lubricated. When too small, women complain about a lack of fullness. This can be compensated for by a position like coital alignment technique (CAT) that emphasizes clitoral stimulation. Also a product like a couples vibrator can be helpful. With big penises you want to have a lot of lubricant on hand and emphasize positions that give a woman control (woman on top, or side by side where a woman can hold a guy's penis like a sex toy), says Dr. Ian Kerner, a psychotherapist and sexuality counselor, founder of GoodinBed.

6 Inch Penis

Clément Liu

How common is it? “This is a fairly common penis size (especially when men do the measuring on their own), but according to analysis of multiple studies, it’s likely slightly above average,” says Dr. Jess.

What will she think? According to one study that asked women to choose their ideal size for a long term partner based on 3D models, you’re right on target, says Dr. Jess.

Best sex positions: “You and your partner will likely enjoy a wide range of positions, but it will depend on her size and arousal level. Standing positions will allow you to alternate between shallow and deep penetration, so try the “Baby Hands Up” position. She stands against the wall with her hands above her head. He holds her wrists and enters from behind. She controls the depth of penetration and movement as he follows her rhythm,” Dr. Jess says.

7 Inch Penis

How common is it? Despite what you see in porn, you’re in the minority with a 7 inch penis, says Dr. Jess.

How does it compare to the average? ​Your penis is longer than average in length, but not necessarily in terms of girth.

What she will think: “I don’t know what your partner will think, but from a cultural perspective that values larger penises, it’s possible s/he’ll be in awe. However, from a practical perspective from putting your 7-inch member in a vagina (or anus or mouth), it could be a little intimidating,” says Dr. Jess.

Best sex positions: Shallow positions might work best for a partner with a vagina, but vaginas are different sizes too and some do enjoy deeper penetration. Generally speaking, you’ll want to start with shallow positions and reserve the deeper ones for later on in the sexual response cycle. Shallow position: The T-Bone — She lies on her back with her knees bent and her feet spread apart flat on the mattress. He lies on his side at a right angle to her body (to form the top of the tee) and slides his body under the bridge of her bent legs. She presses her hips up slightly as he slides in from beneath her. As they rock and thrust in rhythm, their fingers can dance over her clit or they can hold hands and gaze into one another’s eyes.

8+ Inch Penis

Clément Liu

How common is it? “I doubt that 8 inches is common outside the confines of adult movies and while there are performers with smaller most are within that ball park,” says adult film star Derrick Pierce.

How does it compare to average?: “Well it's pretty obvious (from the research articles that I have read) that 8+ is definitely on the large side when it comes to the majority of the population. With the average size being just over 5.5 inches you can see the "comparison" and the average Joe is coming up short!” says Pierce.

What is she going to think of it? “I think that most women will be quite satisfied with the average male size to begin with and I have encountered a few women who feel that while they won't say no to a member that is in the 8-inch region, that would definitely be toward the ceiling of what's acceptable. I have had some complain that it can be accompanied by more pain that pleasure in some instances,” says Pierce.

Best sex positions: “I think that a traditional missionary is probably (one of) the best choices mainly because the male can give just enough to get the job done adequately without causing much discomfort. When you start putting legs on shoulders and deep doggy, you can run into some depth problems,” says Pierce.

The Final Word On Penis Size

Clément Liu

But ultimately?

Stop stressing so much about length.

“The vaginal canal is only so long….and there is not much stimulation when the uterus (or cervix) is pressured by the penis thrusting upon it… in fact, it is often very uncomfortable and painful,” says Dr. Victor Loria, a sexual health expert who performs male enhancement procedures in South Florida and New York. “From an evaluation and extensive interviews with my patients and spouses/partners, a length of 5-6 inches is very comfortable and very effective."

So what do women actually prefer?

"One may argue this and say up to a 7-8 inch length penile length is desirable, and for the few, this is true, however, even the 5-6 inch length penis with a 6.5-7 inch circumferential girth will satisfy even those ‘finicky’ women who ‘need’ the longer length penis. A longer than average penis (over 6 inches) may ‘look’ better to the eye, and ‘feel’ better to the touch, or even have some minor benefits with some sexual positions, but when it comes to vaginal penetration and stimulation, an enlarged girth is the winner hands down with almost no exceptions, and yes…with the average length penis,” says Dr. Loria.